Hot News: 2013 Renault Clio

Daring to look at, better to drive and cheaper to run – that’s the new Renault Clio. And Auto Express has all the details on the supermini that’s got the Ford Fiesta in its sights.

The Clio is Renault’s best-selling model, and this fourth generation will be the first production car developed from the ground up by new design director, Laurens van den Acker.

So far, the only models we’ve seen from the Dutch styling chief have been concepts – such as the striking DeZir, R-Space and Captur show cars. As you can see from our exclusive illustrations, the Clio is a little more down to earth, but has still undergone a major transformation.

The aggressive new face is inspired by the curvy DeZir, with a wide slatted lower grille and LED strips below the main lamps. The distinctive Renault badge is more prominent, plus there are chrome accents on the upper grille and surrounding the sleek new headlights. Small rear windows give this five-door model a rakish look, as do the gently sculpted body panels and subtle roof spoiler.

A Renault spokesman confirmed the dynamic new look to Auto Express, saying: “There’s no secret that it’s a sporty type of car, and it will feature a unique interior, both in terms of style and packaging.”

Our contact also revealed that rather than going upmarket – like Vauxhall’s forthcoming MINI rival – the new Clio will cement its position as a supermini. “We want to distance it from the all-electric ZOE, as except for the five-door layout, they’re separate models,” the spokesman added. Both cars are scheduled to arrive in dealers in the summer of next year, after debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Clio will be sharper to drive than before, too, and is set to get a wide range of small, efficient turbo petrol and diesel powerplants. The exact line-up is still being kept under wraps, but Renault’s advanced new three-cylinder turbo – previewed in the R-Space concept – is set to feature.

This 900cc unit delivers 108bhp and 160Nm of torque, and promises CO2 emissions of only 95g/km, as well as 76.3mpg combined economy. This amazing efficiency is down to a host of technologies, including a ‘pulse start’ system which allows lightning quick restarts. Plus, by combining radio spark plugs for quicker ignition and EGR Boost technology to cool and reuse exhaust gases, the unit allows more efficient engine combustion.

Following the launch, a new Renaultsport Clio will appear. This is likely to get a new 1.6-litre turbo. For more details click here.